Bacchus adds a new baby to its parade lineup

The big picture: Baby Whoppa joins Sunday's parade.

• At about 38 feet, the float is roughly the size of a school bus. The baby's eyes move, plus it lights up and has smoke effects.
• It's a mini version of Bacchus' iconic Bacchawhoppa, which is 85 feet long and was introduced in 1991.
• Baby Whoppa joins the Bacchagator, Bacchasaurus and the Kong family. There are 32 floats this year, says captain Clark Brennan.

Zoom in: Bacchus has more than 300 custom throws, says David Blitch, who is the krewe's merchandising coordinator.

• Riders on each float have specific themed items, including socks and plush toys.
• They've also added more shirts and reusable tote bags, which Blitch says are the hottest items at the parade.

Actor to reign as celebrity monarch

Zoom out: Bacchus celebrates America's 250th birthday this year, with patriotic colors and people and places that have shaped the nation.

• Actor Patrick Warburton reigns as the celebrity monarch. He's best known for his roles in "Family Guy," "Seinfeld" and "Rules of Engagement." He's voiced dozens of characters in animated shows, including "Zootopia 2," IMDb says.
• "This is a marathon, not a sprint, as they say," Warburton quips in an acceptance speech. "Or, we can just throw that nasty rule book to the ground and see where Mardi Gras takes us."

• Bacchus has 1,700 riders and rolls on the Uptown route at 5:15pm Sunday.

State of play: Kern Studios makes Bacchus' floats.

• Get a close look at the floats during the lineup on Tchoupitoulas Street near Napoleon Avenue an hour or two before the parade rolls. Same for Orpheus the next day.
• You won't be able to get throws, but it's the best time to see the artistry.